A church in northern Spain has been holding daily prayer vigils and services as the search continues for one of its members.
Juan Víctor, 19, went missing on 31st March while kayaking with his cousin in the River Miño. According to emergency services, his cousin managed to reach the bank, but the current swept away Juan Víctor.
Since then, police and rescue teams have been carrying out an ongoing operation to find him.
Marcos Zapata, pastor of the Buenas Noticias church in Lugo, told Protestante Digital that Juan Víctor was a "spoke to everyone about the Lord with great courage" and was "much loved by everyone".
On Sunday, a group of young people from the church travelled to the area near where Juan Víctor went missing to pray and praise God amid the uncertainty and grief.
One of the most poignant moments for the congregation came during Sunday’s service, when Juan Víctor’s mother addressed those gathered.
“She said she always prayed for people going through a crisis,” pastor Marcos said. “But she said: ‘Now I’m on the other side, needing those prayers’.”
Pastor Marcos also spoke about the strength she has experienced despite her grief.
“People ask her how she can keep going,” he explained. “And she herself says: I don’t understand it. It is the result of prayer and the support of the church.”
She also recalled that her son’s favourite verse was Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
“If my son had that conviction,” she told the congregation, “I can rest assured that God’s will is good, perfect and pleasing.”
Juan Victor's family have asked for prayers for those involved in the rescue efforts.